Thursday, 10 March 2011
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The Summer of Service: Camp Calls
For several years now I've wanted to do "something" service-oriented, like going on a missions trip or doing something else with a church or some kind of organization. I've been tutoring middle-schoolers since last fall as my only source of income, and I knew that would be a financial no-go for the school-free summer. And so I knew this summer would be the perfect opportunity to find a Christian organization somewhere -- to work there and to serve.I came across YouthWorks!, a Christian organization which "helps the church be the church" by engaging youth in various ministry work projects. One of their specific ministries take place during the summer with nationwide youth missions trips.
I quickly applied for a job with YouthWorks! this summer and just recently got accepted, which was amazing news from both a financial and a spiritual perspective. Yes, the financial relief is huge, but so too is the spiritual one. I'm nervous, sure, but excited to step out of my comfort zone and serve, hopefully making a positive difference in the community as well as with the kids who will be filing in each week.
At the moment I actually have no idea where in the U.S. -- or Canada or Puerto Rico -- YouthWorks! will be sending me this summer. That unknown is a little scary, but the mystery and anticipation surrounding my summer service location is certainly exciting too.
I've blogged before about my restlessness and constantly wanting to be on the move, desiring something more than the often stale life I see around me. I'm hoping that in addition to the stimulation of a physical move this summer, I'll also experience a spiritual "move" of sorts -- serving people and pushing myself in a way I've not experienced before. I hope this summer will spur a further desire to serve in the future.
I certainly don't need to join an organization to serve; there are opportunities all around me. I'm an introverted person, so perhaps too often I get wrapped up in myself and ignore the needs of others around me. I definitely need to make myself more available, even when I don't "feel" like it. Especially when I don't feel like it.
It's going to be an amazing summer; I know it. I pray I'll never be the same.
Have you served with YouthWorks! or another Christian camp in the past? What's your staff camp experience been like, and what have you taken away from it? Do you plan to serve with a Christian camp this summer?
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About the Author
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- From: twoBex
- Name: TMZ
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- About Me: I'm a 25-year-old tutor, writer, and restless wanderer. Check out my blog at http://thomasmarkzuniga.com. There may or may not be confetti and coffee involved.
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Comments (3)
I LOVE CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMP!!! I have been going since I was eight and last summer I counseled. Next to my mission trip to Nicaragua, it was the best experience of my life. I am so excited to get back there this summer. I think summer camp is a great way to serve if you aren't comfortable with the stuff that comes along with a short-term missions trip. Plus free room and board all summer. :)
I ALSO LOVE CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMP!!! I spent two years as a cabin leader, two years as a summer program director, took a year off because of summer grad school classes, and fully plan on going back this year in whatever capacity they need me in. My camp is small, usually 20-50 kids per week, and all one age level.
It's such an amazing way to minister to kids. You will be their role models; they will look up to you in every way. You don't have to have your Christian beliefs all together, because growing in God is part of camp. You do need to be flexible, be compassionate, and have the ability to last about ten minutes longer than your patience does, because some times will be a trial and you can't escape right away.
Summer camp is a blast. I hope you enjoy yourself, and if you have anything you want to know, feel free to message me.
@Sammysosa76@xanga - @Katja88@xanga - Awesome! Loved reading both of your enthusiasm over this. Free room/board is actually a great motivator, haha, but I'm definitely looking forward to the ministry opportunities both with the community and with the kids. I'm nervous because I've never done anything quite like this, but there's a certain thrill in that too. Ultimately, I can't wait for the next two months to pass!